Shortcuts through the last month

"There are no shortcuts through the forest of life."

Years ago I had a poster with a forest picture and this quote. I have no idea who said it, but I always liked it.

* * * * *

Sigve is still doing very well. He has started to gain weight again, though slowly. All blood tests are satisfactory. The liver tests that I wrote about last time are back to normal after he increased the Sandimmun medication. The biopsy showed that there was no infection, so the conclusion was that the increased levels were due to a slight GVH (graft-versus-host) reaction. As I have mentioned before, that slight reaction is desired as it indicates that the transplanted cells are working. Research has also shown that those who get that reaction have an increased protection against the reappearance of the same kind of leukemia. So now he stays on the increased Sandimmun dosage for another month, and then he does the decrease process again, and hopefully he will eventually be able to come off the medication altogether. 

* * * * *

Since my last blog post, which was way too long ago, we have had

grey skies and still waters,

blue skies,

and sunshine,

and even the odd blizzard. 

Fortunately, that snow didn't settle at all.

Birds have found the food I put out for them.

We have watched the snow and ice melt,

and found what I hope are 

the last snow hearts of this winter season.

We have taken walks, climbed up and down, 

and had fun throwing rocks in the water.

We have seen regal swans,

and even scared up some geese.

We have found rock hearts, 

and seen the first signs of spring.

We have witnessed the most amazing sunrise,

glorious sunset,

and stunning northern lights.

But the most magnificent experience of all is getting to know Helmer.

We have crossed the Bømlo bridge several times,

and caught the ferry to Tysnes,

to see Helmer, who is growing so fast, 

and has become so much more alert and sociable,

interacting with us, 

keeping a steady eye contact for long periods of time.

His little hands have started exploring his world,

but they also hold on to mommy's hand for comfort.

His little feet sometimes move like drumsticks,

and his toes are just too cute.

I recognize features in him from his parents, his uncle, 

his grandparents, his great grandparents 

and even his great great grandparents.

It is so amazing to see the visible connections between 

the preceding generations and the new.

Everything is linked together, and whether we like it or not,

we are influenced by those who have gone before us.

But each of us are also our own person in our own right, 

with the ability to create our own life and destiny. 

For now, and for quite a few years to come,

he depends on his parents, and his extended family,

to provide for him all he needs to build the best possible 

foundation, so he can grow up to be a well adjusted person,

and have a happy and fulfilled life.

What a responsibility, and also what a privilege that is,

and I am so grateful be a part of it!